Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

A Tempest Soul by Oliver Phipps is a coming-of-age story that explores Gina Falcone’s growth curve, the challenges she has to face, and the vicissitudes of her life. But it is mostly the story of her crucible of pain and how she allows it to shape her destiny, an inspiring and entertaining story. Gina lost her father when she was a small girl and now her mother abandons Gina to herself when she has just turned thirteen, after securing her a job to wash dishes. Through hardship, Gina weaves herself a path through life, creating success for herself, but for how long can she keep it? Watch as she discovers the most wonderful lessons of life and as she grows to create her destiny; watch as she learns the dread truth that life could be held together by a very fragile thread in spite of our successes, and that we could lose everything with the snap of a finger.

This is an incredible story of a woman who faces life with courage and who decides to change her stars, a story that is filled with many lessons. I had a lot to enjoy in this story. First, the characters feel real and they are well developed, with their backgrounds well explored. I enjoyed the fact that the author uses lively and entertaining dialogues to give readers the backstory. The prose is enticing, composed of beautiful sentences that are not convoluted at any moment. It reads very fluidly and clearly. The narrative voice is hypnotic and it offers readers powerful images to accompany the story. A Tempest Soul is a story that will entertain and instruct readers, and empower them to face life with some nerve. Oliver Phipps’ writing really captured my heart.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Helga: Growing Up in Hitler's Germany is a work of historical fiction by Karen Truesdell Riehl. It is based on the true story of a young girl who was ordered to become a part of Hitler's Jugend when she was 10 years old. Helga and the other girls in her group were plied with sweets and cookies while their leaders instilled in them a fanatical love of Hitler, who was revered by them as a godlike and all-knowing being. Helga's parents had no way to counteract the programming she was subjected to, as any intervention would result in a knock on the door and their disappearance. As the war progressed, Helga was evacuated with other Jugends to a hotel where food was abundant, but there was no freedom. Their letters back home were collected and examined before sending, and any objections were swiftly and harshly dealt with.

Karen Truesdell Riehl's historical fiction, Helga: Growing Up in Hitler's Germany, is a remarkable and stunning work describing a young German girl's coming of age during World War II. I found myself unable to put the book down and felt compelled to continue following her story. I've read many nonfiction and fictional works dealing with this tragic episode in history, and Riehl's work stands up there with the best. Many of us have seen movies and read stories where Hitler Youth are described as heartless, zombie-like children gleefully denouncing their parents to the Nazis and self-righteously watching as they're dragged away. Most of us probably realized it was not really all that simple and clear-cut. Helga's story helps bring a new comprehension of the strains and complexities the most vulnerable members of German society were subjected to, and how their lives and the lives of their families were affected. Helga: Growing Up in Hitler's Germany is a major and valuable addition to World War II literature. It's most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Francine Zane for Readers' Favorite

Red Death by Jeff Altabef is a science fiction adventure set in a world where the Soulless are considered less than human by the citizens of Eden, mostly because they fear the Red Death that plagues those poor souls who inhabit this war-torn world. Aaliss is a Guardian of Eden, trained to protect her people from the Soulless. When her genius brother's life is threatened by the Priests who rule Eden, she escapes with him and a Soulless girl on an adventure that will either kill them or rid their world of the Red Death.

Jeff Altabef does an amazing job in creating a diversified world where good and evil populate every tribe. His mixture of scientific with magical elements provides a good balance of variety that will appeal to young adult book lovers everywhere. The characters who star in Altabef's Red Death are thoroughly memorable and decidedly relatable. The author provides a variety of villains to hate, and Viper in particular is downright creepy. The book is liberally dosed with breathtaking action and real-to-life relationships. Altabef kept his writing focused on plot development, with very little superfluous world building that wasn't directly related to the story.

As a reader, I was intrigued by the title and the cover, but it was the story development and the professional quality of the content that earned my respect. I highly recommend this book to anyone who believes the blending of genres can add a new and exciting element to an already great plot. I look forward to reading more from the creative mind of Jeff Altabef.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Snowball: Chronicles of a Wererabbit is a young adult coming of age/paranormal fantasy written by M.Y. Zeman with illustrations by Jason Moser. John Everly is a vampire scientist whose research has been stolen by people who will use it for evil purposes. His friend and partner, Edgar, was able to find out the address where the research was located, and John set out to retrieve it after fortifying himself with some type AB blood. The inside of the building was set up in a similar manner to his own lab, but with a few grisly differences. There were shelves filled with jars of strangely misshapen fetuses and hybrid monstrosities, and empty cages and tanks, and in one tank, John saw a small white bunny surrounded by three dead bunnies. He continued upstairs and was able to locate his research papers, but soon noticed the smell of smoke which became more intense as he headed back down the stairs. The first floor was ablaze. John put his retrieved papers in his coat and was at the door when he remembered the bunny. He couldn’t leave the little creature and ran back for it. The two just barely managed to escape the burning building before it exploded, leaving John sprawled on the snow covered ground with a little bunny watching him.

M.Y. Zeman’s young adult coming of age/paranormal fantasy, Snowball: Chronicles of a Wererabbit, is not your ordinary wereanimal/vampire fantasy. It’s much more than that. It’s a marvelous and simple tale of Snow, a young bunny and her fathers, John and Edgar, two vampires. I loved reading about Snow growing up and witnessing her first transition from bunny to young human, and I chuckled at John’s absolute panic when he realizes that he’s suddenly the father of a human child. Zeman touches on things that cause pain in all beings, be they vampire or wererabbit: being different, being bullied by others, and the need for love, acceptance and companionship. John and Edgar are a marvelous set of fathers for the young wererabbit, with John’s studious nature complemented beautifully by Edgar’s artistic and adventurous spirit. Jason Moser’s illustrations are fabulous! They lit up a brightly glowing story even more by showing the reader tangible images of Snow and John. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a book about the coming of age of a wererabbit, but Snowball: Chronicles of a Wererabbit surely exceeded any expectations I might have had. It’s magical, moving and, yes, it does cry out for a sequel. This enchanting fantasy is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

Identified by prophecy but hidden by strong magic, Christopher grows up unaware of the destiny that awaits him in Bound to Survive: The Magic Within (Book One) by Sharon Gibbs. The land of Solencia struggles under the tyrannical rule of Arnak and his sorceress sister, Athena. Once prosperous, the land and people suffer because of Arnak’s quest for vengeance. The time has come for The One, Christopher, to accept his role as leader of the people. Henry, Christopher’s grandfather, and his old friend, Clarence, the two remaining wizards of the land, have prepared for this day and, with the help of a hopeful population, they all set out to take back control of their land. As Christopher embraces the role of leader, it is clear that the ancient prophecy is about to be fulfilled. The only hope is that this newly formed army is in time to defeat the evil forces of Arnak before Christopher loses someone who has become quite important in his life.

While there is certainly an element of the supernatural that directs the course of this story, the true power behind the characters in Bound to Survive is love. It is the intense love of his grandfather and the couple who raised him that has supported Christopher until the right time for him to make his own decision about the future. Powerful emotions drive Christopher, Elle, and their friends to finally band together to rid their land of a tyrant. The captivating plot moves along steadily with plenty of intense action and intrigue. The 'good' characters are refreshing and the 'bad guys' are all the more believable for the background that supports their misguided quest. Sharon Gibbs has masterfully blended past and present, as well as love and hate, into a spellbinding story that is almost impossible to put down.

Reviewed by Marta Tandori for Readers' Favorite

A Beholden Heart by M.L. Steinbrunn is a fresh and captivating YA story that gives credence to the old adage, “all is not as it seems.” About to head into her senior year in what’s been a somewhat sheltered life for reasons that aren’t immediately obvious, Gwen puts her foot down and refuses to go when her parents announce that they’ll be moving to London, England, thanks to a work promotion her father has received. While her popular younger sister, Meg, embraces the opportunity, Gwen simply wants the normalcy of a senior year in high school and it’s with some trepidation that her father arranges for her to stay with her eccentric grandmother, Marnie Parks, in Middleton. On her first day of school, Gwen meets Sam, a girl existing on the social fringes, and they quickly become fast friends. Her encounter with Matt Rhodes, Middleton High’s football phenomenon, comes a short time later, and their encounter is nothing if not memorable. Matt’s friend, Spencer, soon rounds out the friendship quartet.

What makes A Beholden Heart so fresh and captivating are the main protagonists, Gwen and Matt. On the face of it, Gwen is your average teenager who is striving to fit in at a new school while Matt is your basic all-star football jock. However, it’s what’s underneath that makes the two characters so compelling. It quickly becomes apparent that Gwen is not above speaking out and defending the downtrodden, even at the expense of her own social status while Matt, for all of his popularity, has suffered emotional and physical abuse from a father who happens to be the high school football coach, trying to vicariously live his own dreams through his son. Matt and Gwen are drawn together through circumstances but bond because of what they are able to offer to the other: understanding, compassion, humor, friendship and insight. Their friends, Sam and Spencer, bring depth and humor and are the perfect foils to Gwen and Matt. Another all-star in this cast of shining characters is Gwen’s grandmother, Marnie Parks, called Ms. Marnie by everyone. Despite her eccentricities in both decorating and in personal style, she has a wealth of compassion and humor that envelops those around her, not to mention a fierce protective instinct that she doesn’t hesitate to bring to the table when required.

Steinbrunn’s prose is crisp and immediately engaging while her voice is evident from the first page into the story, giving her characters both depth and authenticity. There are many parts of A Beholden Heart that will makes its readers laugh and cry. In fact, it’s very difficult to read this story without giving a piece of your own heart to Gwen and Matt. And while the story goes by quickly, don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s a “quick” read. The story and its characters stay with you long after the last page has been read, all hallmarks of a great book. A Beholden Heart is exactly that – and then some.

Reviewed by Suzanne Cowles for Readers' Favorite

Snooze by Sol Luckman is an unusual story that combines a vivid fictional alter world with real-life drama and captivating science. Follow a young Max, nicknamed “Snooze” in Part 1 into his special dreamland where flying is king and he can escape life’s pressures. His precocious friend Tuesday helps him be a nonconformist in school, while he explores an adventurous world of metaphysics. The inciting incident occurs when his well-respected father goes missing in a work-related accident. In Part 2, Max is in college years, later circumventing the usual foray of fake IDs, bros and a quarrel with Tuesday. A weird scientist tests his psychic abilities as the Universe unfolds. Part 3 is where the real adventure starts in the alternate world with danger, reverse actions, a Sasquatch and time-space between realities. Part 4 is about the Great Spirit, pseudo-science and completing his mission in an emotional journey that culminates in triumph.

Luckman’s dazzling abilities as a novelist abound with lyrical prose well written in third person. Although this book chronicles a boy’s transition into manhood, I would not consider it young adult. The provocative subject matter of science and spirituality is very mature. This magical tale is entertaining and fun, yet it offers heavy moral themes and the synchronicity of the conscious/subconscious. Learning to let go and believe in the fantastical is easy to do in Sol Luckman’s Snooze. If you enjoy colorful characters, a fast-paced plot and stories that tug at your heart, this novel in eighty-four chapters is anything but a yawn.

Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite

Broken Dreams by Cassidy K. O'Connor is an emotional young adult coming of age story about the possibility of reclaiming second chances. Isabelle and her twin brother Ian are excited to finally graduate high school. Isabelle wants to dance at Julliard and Ian has soccer scholarships to the colleges of his choice. But Isabelle knows a secret about her twin brother. His plans aren't to go to college and play soccer. He wants to join the Army and make a difference in the world.

When tragedy strikes, it is up to Isabelle to carry on the memory of her brother through the legacy he meant to leave behind. She is determined to put her own dreams aside so that she can fulfill the dreams her brother had of honor and service and dedication. But when tragedy strikes a second time, Isabelle isn't sure she's strong enough to continue. All she wants is a second chance to reach for her dreams. And she'll need the love and support that she finds in an unexpected relationship to carry her through this emotional journey.

This is a very beautiful and emotional story that will threaten even the most hardened reader with tears. It is part romance and part coming of age story, but mostly it is about life and loss and what makes a person endure when they just want to give up. What is important to some people is hard for others to to understand, and that is some of the exploration of grief that readers can expect in this story.

Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite

Steel Maiden (Divided Realms Book 1) by Kim Richardson is a young adult fantasy and the first book in the Divided Realms series. In a land of banned magic, religious sects, and dark secrets, Elena hides her mysterious healing powers and hand to hand fighting abilities. When Elena is caught attempting to steal a valuable jewel, she is given one alternative to death. So she becomes the high priest's champion in The Great Race, throwing herself into the deadliest race in the realm. As Elena discovers more about her own secrets, she realizes the race's mysterious truth. It is up to her to stop the evil that looms over her homeland before it becomes too strong and consumes them all.

This story is chock full of adventure, action, and sizzling romance. But it can also be creepy, with demons and monsters and evil priests vying for each other's souls. This story isn't for the faint of heart, but it is written with such richness that readers who give it a try will not be disappointed. The characters are strong and very well written, especially Elena and Mad Jack. Elena has a grim determination that readers will respect. She never gives up, even when she worries that she can't win. Everything she does is for her love of other characters, and that love is inspiring and contagious. Mad Jack is a complex character who keeps his story a little closer to his chest, but as readers begin to peel back layers, they will discover his wonderful complexity as well.

Reviewed by Jessyca Garcia for Readers' Favorite

I really enjoyed reading I'll Always Be with You by Violetta Armour. While giving his son Teddy a driving lesson, Stan Kostoff is killed by a drunk driver. Mary, Stan’s wife, decides to move the family back to Stan’s boyhood home in Middleburg, Indiana, in order to heal and be closer to Stan’s family. There she meets Rosetta, an old girlfriend of Stan’s. Mary soon discovers that Rosetta has a secret.

I'll Always Be with You is the kind of book that gives you “the feels.” Violetta Armour tells this three-part story in the voices of Teddy, Mary and Rosetta. Each character has their own unique voice. Teddy thinks in headlines and is filled with guilt. Mary is full of grief and worry for her family. Rosetta remembers the past and wonders what could have been. My favorite character was Teddy because having lost my own father unexpectedly I understood his pain. Throughout the book there are tidbits of information. The one that I found most interesting was about military personnel leaving different coins on graves.

This is the type of book that I would like to read over again. The book is a rollercoaster of emotions but will leave you in a good mood at the end. Not everything happened like I thought it would in the story. There was one thing that remained unanswered for me but perhaps Armour will write a sequel and answer it. If you like to read dramatic stories, then this book is the one for you.